The D-8 Technology Transfer and Exchange Network (D-8 TTEN), an affiliate body of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), organized a series of activities to mark its tenth anniversary of establishment. The D-8 TTEN held the main event at its base, the Pardis Technology Park in Tehran, Iran, on 4 October 2023.

Dignitaries from both Iran and abroad, including the D-8 Secretary General, Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, and two former D-8 Secretaries-General, Ambassadors Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari and Dr. Mohammad Mousavi, attended the celebration.

In his statement, the D-8 Secretary General of the D-8 Organization, Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, recalled the raison d’etre for the establishment of D-8 TTEN a decade ago, which was to foster technological cooperation, serve as a business network platform and transfer of technology among the eight member countries.

He lauded the D-8 TTEN on its decade of achievements, adding that it had vigorously pursued the development of an integrated technological zone to create a platform for efficient connection between suppliers and demanders of technology among the alliance of the D-8 nations.

Speaking further, the D-8 Secretary-General stated that the establishment of a web portal as the D-8’s comprehensive technology database, the setting up of the TTEN High Council meetings as the decision-making platform, hosting of the annual technology investment meetings, and the introduction of an annual Technology Transfer Award, (TTA), are some of the innovative achievements of the last ten years. Ambassador Imam described the annual TTA award as remarkable for technology transfer and exchange among the D-8 member states, which has been recognized and celebrated.

In his remarks, Dr. Mahdi Saffari Nia, the President of Terhan’s Paradis Technology Park, appreciated the contribution of the TTEN to the technological cooperation of the D8 member countries. He expressed the hope that all D-8 Member States will continue their engagement with TTEN to promote the transfer of the latest technological advances in their respective countries.

Mr. Milad Sadrkhanlou, President of the D-8TTEN, presented a brief rundown on the history and achievements of the TTEN since its establishment a decade ago.

The celebration aims to highlight the remarkable achievements of the D-8 TTEN over the past decade and to promote collaboration between the network and its partners. The ultimate goal is to create a prosperous future driven by technological applications in order to attain the 4^th Industrial Revolution.

On the sidelines of the well-attended event, the TTEN’s Advisory Board Council (ABC) convened its first meeting. The meeting enabled the TTEN Secretariat to acquaint the Ambassadors of the D-8 Member Countries with the activities of D-8 TTEN.

D-8 Technology Transfer and Exchange Network (D-8TTEN) is an informative and transaction-enabled network among the D-8 countries. It aims to encourage collaboration through the sharing of ideas on technology, as well as capacity building and information dissemination on technological capabilities and achievements,

The D-8 Organization is an inter-governmental organization comprised of Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye. Founded in 1997, the D-8 operates primarily in the economic realm, including agriculture and food security.